Game 2 preview: Rutgers' home opener is fluff

Apparently, Rutgers didn't get the memo about not playing FCS schools anymore, as the Knights are scheduled to play cupcake payday teams until 2017, culminating with a matchup against MEAC powerhouse Morgan State. That could change between now and then, but as of now they're on deck. This season, this type of game could prove useful in getting to bowl eligibility, however. Rutgers looks like a competitive team after the season-opening win against Washington State, but with so many unknowns this season, an almost assured win is a useful commodity.

I type that with all due respect to Howard, but their first game against Akron (who admittedly look to be improving quickly under Terry Bowden) wasn't exactly competitive, as the Bison lost 41-0. Akron's game against Penn State this week could tell us more about Howard, but all signs point to Rutgers steamrolling them in the home opener this Saturday. RU is a better team than Akron, and by the immutable transitive property of college football, Rutgers will win (comfortably).

The Bison do have the reigning MEAC player of the year in Greg McGhee, but he couldn't do much against a decent defense in the Zips. This is the perfect opportunity for Rutgers to build more momentum heading into the B1G season, as well as give some young players experience. If the Rutgers' offense plays as well as they did against Washington State, the Howard defense should struggle mightily against the Scarlet Knight offensive line.

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The biggest hope against Howard is that Rutgers doesn't end up with more questions at any position. The secondary is still suspect after a barnburner against Wazzu. The defensive line was a little gassed at one point. With an overmatched opponent, you want to look your best. This is college football. No matter what anyone says, style points will always count.